Interior High Dynamic Range

Interior High Dynamic Range - Matching the light outside to that inside a property

Q.

I am in my office at work and I've got this hatch/window that opens out. I'm doing this because this is about the best place where I could practice exposure lock.

A.

I see. This is where photography becomes more pro I guess (if there is such a line that we cross). If it was that easy to get a perfect shot of what you describe, then everyone would be a pro photographer. Some shots (many shots) take a little more effort to get and no (current) camera can get that shot right without a little help, the dynamic range is just too great. It is all about using extra lighting and the right set up.

I have come across your situation/example many times during my property photography shoots. I.e. By trying to get a nice, well lit interior with well exposed views to the outside.

Basically, I used to have to use 2 studio lights placed where I could see no reflections in the glass/surrounds and then expose for the outside and adjust the lights to brighten the interior.

Now I just use one of these (see following link) pointed directly at the ceiling to diffuse the light. I use the clear softbox (luminescent).

Speedlight Diffusers and Softboxes

So for your situation, I would meter and set the shutter speed for the exterior like you have done, point the speedlight upwards and play about with the light output and aperture until the interior looks good.

The shutter speed determines the exposure outside and the aperture determines the brightness inside for most of these scenarios.